Here are the three most common infection problems, and others considered urgent or serious threats, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
C. difficile (Clostridium difficile): When antibiotics such as clindamycin wipe out bacteria that protect the colon, the patient is exposed to C. difficile, which inflames the colon and causes severe diarrhea. The CDC considers this an “urgent threat.”
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus): Can cause flesh-eating disease. Considered a “serious” threat by the CDC.
VRE (vancomycin-resistant Enterococci): Can cause sepsis, meningitis or pneumonia. Considered a “serious” threat.
Other Urgent Threats
CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae): Includes Klebsiella and E. coli. Can cause bloodstream infections, wound infections and pneumonia.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Sexually transmitted disease that can lead to chronic pain, infertility in men and women and life-threatening complications.
Other Serious Threats
ESBL (extended-spectrum beta lactamase): Can cause intestinal, urinary or respiratory symptoms.
Drug-resistant strains of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, such as shigella, campylobacter and salmonella
Drug-resistant tuberculosis is resistant to the two most powerful first-line treatments used to treat this infection, which typically attacks the lungs.
Recent Posts
U of T’s Feminist Sports Club Is Here to Bend the Rules
The group invites non-athletes to try their hand at games like dodgeball and basketball in a fun – and distinctly supportive – atmosphere
From Mental Health Studies to Michelin Guide
U of T Scarborough alum Ambica Jain’s unexpected path to restaurant success
A Blueprint for Global Prosperity
Researchers across U of T are banding together to help the United Nations meet its 17 sustainable development goals
